Did Barrett say he wouldn't run for both mayor and guv?

Gov. Scott Walker's campaign is contending that Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett stated in a November interview that he would not run simultaneously for mayor and governor, as he is now doing.

In an interview on "Countdown with Keith Olbermann," a guest host broached the topic late in a discussion of the potential future recall of Walker.

"Fair to say you're leaving the door open because you could run for mayor and governor at the same time," host David Shuster said half-jokingly about six minutes into the Nov. 23 interview.

"I don't think I'll be running for mayor and governor at the same time, obviously," Barrett responded. "I like my job, and we're going take a look and see when this election plays itself out."

On Friday, the Government Accountability Board officially ordered the recall election. Several hours later, the Milwaukee mayor became the fourth Democrat to announce that he was vying to take on Walker on June 5.

Barrett is also facing a little-known challenger in his bid for a third term as mayor on Tuesday.

A spokesman for Barrett called the allegation by Walker's campaign "pathetic and ridiculous," explaining that the mayor had said more recently that he would make his plans known shortly after the accountability board determined whether it would certify the recall election.

"Barrett made a point to announce his plans before the mayoral election, so the people of Milwaukee would know the full truth going into the April 3rd election," the Barrett spokesman said.

About Daniel Bice

Daniel Bice is a Watchdog columnist covering Wisconsin government and politics. His “No Quarter” column has won a National Headliner Award for best local interest column.